HUI An
In recent days, the incident involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro being forcibly taken out of his country by external forces and detained under the name of judicial action has sparked sustained controversy within the international community. The Venezuelan government and many international observers have described the act as a “kidnapping,” arguing that it constitutes a serious violation of national sovereignty and the fundamental principles of international law. Although accounts from different parties vary, the incident itself has already had far-reaching implications for regional security and the international order.
On the surface, this appears to be a cross-border operation carried out in the name of “law enforcement” or “crime prevention.” In essence, however, it touches on a long-standing and increasingly acute question in international relations: can coercive measures be taken against a country’s highest leader without authorization from the United Nations and without the consent of the state concerned? This question goes far beyond Venezuela. It directly concerns the core interests of all developing countries in safeguarding their security and sovereignty.
Venezuela has for years been mired in political polarization and economic difficulties. Its domestic challenges should, in principle, be addressed through its constitutional framework and political dialogue. Direct intervention by external forces through coercive means is unlikely to resolve underlying problems; instead, it risks deepening social divisions and triggering broader instability. The spillover effects of such actions are often borne not only by neighboring countries, but by the entire Global South.
For African countries, this incident is far from unfamiliar. Historical experience shows that once practices described as “rules-based” but driven by power politics are tolerated, they can easily become dangerous precedents. What happens today in Latin America could tomorrow be repeated in Africa or elsewhere. For Nigeria and other developing nations, adherence to international law, respect for national sovereignty, and the principle of equality among states are therefore not abstract ideals, but matters of concrete national interest.
It is also worth noting that international reactions to this incident have been clearly divided. Some countries emphasize the primacy of their domestic laws, while a growing number of states are calling for a return to the basic principles of the United Nations Charter and opposing the elevation of unilateral actions above international law. This divergence itself reflects the profound adjustments currently underway in the international order.
Against this backdrop, China’s position has been clear and consistent. China has always advocated respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, opposed any form of forced regime change, and emphasized resolving differences through dialogue and political means. This stance is not driven by geopolitical calculations, but by China’s own development experience. China understands that external interference and power politics have never brought genuine stability to developing countries; only respect for independent choices, a focus on development, and improvements in people’s livelihoods can lay a solid foundation for lasting peace. For this reason, China’s cooperation with Latin America and Africa has consistently focused on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and capacity building, with the aim of strengthening countries’ ability to pursue independent development.
As a responsible major country, China stands ready to work with Nigeria and other developing nations to firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, advocate the resolution of disputes through dialogue, and address the root causes of conflict through development. Only in this way can the world avoid falling into a vicious cycle in which “might makes right,” and ensure that the international order truly serves peace, stability, and shared development.
HUI An is a professor at the China-Africa Think Tank Research Center
